Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania • 5,895m

Climb Kilimanjaro.
Every Route. Every Level.

Six routes to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest summit. Whether you're a first-time trekker or a seasoned adventurer, Go Kilimanjaro Treks will match you with the perfect route and guide you every step of the way.

At a Glance

Compare All Kilimanjaro Routes

Not sure which route is right for you? Use this comparison and then contact Nelson and he'll give you a personal recommendation based on your fitness, schedule, and goals.

Route Duration Difficulty Success Rate Crowds Best For
Lemosho 7 Days Moderate
85%
Low-Medium Most trekkers, best all-round route
Northern Circuit 9-10 Days Moderate
95%
Very Low Maximum success rate, remote experience
Marangu 5-6 Days Moderate
65%
High Hut accommodation, shorter trip
Rongai 7 Days Moderate
80%
Very Low Quiet northern approach, wildlife views
Umbwe 6 Days Hard
70%
Very Low Experienced trekkers seeking challenge
Machame 7 Days Moderate+
80%
Medium Scenic diversity, good acclimatization
Moderate 7 Days • Most Popular Route

Lemosho Route

The gold standard Kilimanjaro experience with exceptional scenery, outstanding acclimatization, and one of the highest summit success rates among the 7-day itineraries. Approaches from the pristine western slopes, crossing the iconic Shira Plateau before joining the dramatic Southern Circuit to the summit.

🌳 Enters through remote, uncrowded montane rainforest on the western slopes
⛰️ Crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau at 3,840m
🪨 Traverses the Great Barranco Wall, one of Kilimanjaro's most memorable sections
🌞 Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m) via Barafu Camp at sunrise
🏕️ Excellent acclimatization profile with built-in rest day at Lava Tower (4,600m)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A
Arrival in MoshiAirport transfer, hotel check-in, pre-climb briefing & gear check with Nelson
1
Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp2,100m → 2,650m • 6 km • 3-4 hours through montane rainforest
2
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp2,650m → 3,500m • 8 km • 4-5 hours crossing moorland
3
Shira 1 → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp3,500m → 4,600m → 3,950m • Acclimatization via Lava Tower
4
Barranco → Karanga Camp3,950m → 4,035m • Barranco Wall climb, stunning Southern Circuit
5
Karanga → Barafu Camp4,035m → 4,673m • Final camp before summit
6
Summit Night + Mweka Camp4,673m → 5,895m → 3,100m • Midnight start, sunrise at Uhuru Peak
7
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate3,100m → 1,630m • Descent through forest, certificate ceremony
D
Departure from MoshiAirport transfer or extension to safari/Zanzibar
Best Months
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Moderate 9-10 Days • Highest Success Rate

Northern Circuit Route

Kilimanjaro's longest, most remote, and most successful route. The Northern Circuit circumnavigates the entire mountain, exploring the rarely-seen northern slopes before approaching the summit from the south. Extra acclimatization days and sparse crowds make this the route with the highest summit success rate of all options.

🌍 Circles the entire mountain, the most complete Kilimanjaro experience
🥇 Highest summit success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes (~95%)
🧭 Remote northern slopes see almost no other trekkers
🇰🇪 Panoramic views of Kenya's plains from the northern face
🌙 Multiple nights above 4,000m for superior acclimatization

9-Day Itinerary Summary

1
Lemosho Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp2,100m → 2,650m • Rainforest entry
2
Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp2,650m → 3,500m • Moorland and plateau
3
Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp3,500m → 3,840m • High Shira Plateau
4
Shira 2 → Moir Hut (Northern Circuit begins)3,840m → 4,200m • Enter remote northern slopes
5
Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp4,200m → 4,020m • Views of Kenya's savanna
6
Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp4,020m → 3,800m • Eastern slopes traverse
7
Third Cave → School Hut3,800m → 4,750m • Final camp approach
8
Summit Night + Descent to Mweka Camp4,750m → 5,895m → 3,100m • Sunrise summit
9
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate3,100m → 1,630m • Descent and celebrations
Moderate 5-6 Days • Only Route with Huts

Marangu Route

Known as the "Coca-Cola Route," Marangu is Kilimanjaro's oldest and most traditional path. It's the only route offering permanent hut dormitories instead of camping. Each night you sleep in a real bed with blankets provided. A shorter, more structured experience for trekkers who want comfort on the mountain.

🏠 The only route with permanent hut accommodation (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo Huts)
⛰️ Uses the same trail for ascent and descent, with simpler logistics
🦺 Blankets and basic bedding provided, so you carry a lighter pack
🌅 Summit via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak at sunrise
🚶 Gentler gradients make it accessible for most fitness levels

6-Day Itinerary

1
Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut1,860m → 2,700m • 8 km through rainforest, 4-5 hours
2
Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut2,700m → 3,720m • 12 km across moorland, 5-6 hours
3
Horombo Hut → Acclimatization DayShort acclimatization walk to Mawenzi Tarn, rest at Horombo
4
Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut3,720m → 4,703m • 10 km across alpine desert, 5-6 hours
5
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo HutSummit push at midnight, sunrise at Uhuru, descend to Horombo
6
Horombo Hut → Marangu GateFinal descent through forest, certificate ceremony
Moderate 7 Days • Quietest Route

Rongai Route

Approaching from the north near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route offers the quietest and most remote Kilimanjaro experience available. Vast open moorlands, stunning views into Kenya, frequent wildlife sightings, and an extra acclimatization day make this a favourite for those who want solitude without sacrificing success rates.

🇰🇪 Approaches from Kenya border through remote northern wilderness
🦊 Wildlife sightings common in lower sections including buffalo and elephant
📅 Extra acclimatization day at Mawenzi Tarn for higher success rate
🌊 Full mountain traverse, descending via the contrasting Marangu route
🤟 Near-empty trails for a truly personal summit experience

7-Day Itinerary

1
Rongai Gate → Simba Camp1,950m → 2,650m • Through cultivated land and forest
2
Simba Camp → Second Cave Camp2,650m → 3,450m • Moorland, open skies
3
Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp3,450m → 3,600m • Rocky alpine desert
4
Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn Hut (Acclimatization)3,600m → 4,330m • Dramatic Mawenzi Peak views
5
Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut4,330m → 4,703m • Cross the Saddle between peaks
6
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo HutMidnight summit push, sunrise at Uhuru, long descent
7
Horombo Hut → Marangu GateFinal descent, certificate ceremony, departure
Hard 6 Days • For Experienced Trekkers

Umbwe Route

The most challenging and direct route to Kilimanjaro's summit. Steep, rugged, and barely-traveled, Umbwe is reserved for experienced trekkers who are fit, altitude-tested, and seeking an extraordinary challenge. The rewards are unparalleled solitude, dramatic ridgeline views, and the deep satisfaction of taking the hard road to the Roof of Africa.

⚡ The most direct and demanding Kilimanjaro route. Not for beginners
🧗 Steep ridgeline ascent through dense rainforest with dramatic exposure
🤐 Virtually no other trekkers, a truly solo wilderness experience
🎞️ Joins the Machame/Lemosho Southern Circuit with spectacular scenery
💪 Recommended for experienced hikers with prior high-altitude experience

6-Day Itinerary

1
Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Cave Camp1,640m → 2,850m • Steep ridge through dense forest
2
Umbwe Cave → Barranco Camp2,850m → 3,950m • Narrow ridges, open moorland views
3
Barranco → Karanga Camp3,950m → 4,035m • Barranco Wall and Southern Circuit
4
Karanga → Barafu Camp4,035m → 4,673m • Final high camp
5
Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka CampMidnight summit push, sunrise at 5,895m, long descent
6
Mweka Camp → Mweka GateFinal descent and departure
Moderate+ 7 Days • Scenic & Varied

Machame Route

Called the "Whiskey Route" for its increased challenge over Marangu, Machame is a stunning all-rounder. Diverse terrain crossing five ecological zones, the dramatic Shira Plateau approach, and the iconic Barranco Wall all make this a richly rewarding experience. Good acclimatization and scenic variety attract many repeat Kilimanjaro trekkers.

🌿 Traverses Kilimanjaro's most diverse ecological range
🗻 Dramatic Shira Plateau crossing with vast moorland views
🪨 Iconic Barranco Wall scramble, a genuine mountain adventure highlight
📈 Good acclimatization profile via Lava Tower (4,600m) on Day 3
🌅 Southern Circuit approach to summit via Barafu Camp

7-Day Itinerary

1
Machame Gate → Machame Camp1,800m → 3,000m • Through montane rainforest
2
Machame Camp → Shira Camp3,000m → 3,840m • Into moorland and Shira Plateau
3
Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp3,840m → 4,600m → 3,950m • Acclimatization day
4
Barranco → Barafu Camp3,950m → 4,673m • Via Barranco Wall and Karanga
5
Rest Day at BarafuShort acclimatization walk, rest, prepare for summit
6
Summit Night + Descent to Mweka CampMidnight start, sunrise at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), long descent
7
Mweka Camp → Mweka GateFinal descent, certificate, celebrations
Full Transparency

What's Included in Every Package

No hidden fees. No surprises. Every Go Kilimanjaro Treks package is all-inclusive from gate to gate.

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Equipment & Camping

4-season tents, sleeping pads, dining tent, toilet tent. Everything you need on the mountain.

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All Meals

3 meals per day plus snacks and drinks throughout the climb. Our cook team is legendary.

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Expert Team

Lead guide, assistant guide(s), certified porters and cook. Ratio of at least 1 guide per 2 climbers.

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Safety Equipment

First aid kits, pulse oximeters for daily health monitoring, supplemental oxygen available.

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Park Fees & Permits

All TANAPA park entrance fees, conservation levies, and rescue fees fully included.

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Transfers & Briefing

Airport transfers, hotel accommodation in Moshi (B&B), pre-climb briefing and gear check.

Choose Your Route.
Reach the Summit.

Tell Nelson your dates, group size, and fitness level. He'll respond personally with the ideal route recommendation and a transparent quote within 24 hours.